The Hill's Rising hosts Robby Soave and Niall Stanage discuss how the Arab vote impacted the election results in Michigan.

Arab Vote Impacts Michigan Election Results

In a close and crucial race for Michigan, the Arab-American community played a decisive role, particularly in cities like Dearborn with its significant Arab population. Foreign policy became a central issue, as Vice President Kamala Harris faced backlash for her alignment with the Biden administration’s support of Israel. Analysts believe this policy stance cost her the state's 15 electoral votes, which likely went to Donald Trump, who captured 49.9% of the vote.

Mayor of Dearborn Urges Community to Vote

Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud encouraged residents to vote and emphasized the importance of down-ballot races that directly impact local issues. He advised voters to prioritize their moral conscience on the presidential ticket, reflecting the community’s strong concerns about U.S. foreign policy toward Israel.

Foreign Policy Becomes Personal

For Dearborn’s Arab-American residents, U.S. foreign policy toward Israel is not a distant issue. Hammoud shared that Israeli airstrikes had personally affected families in the community, including his own, where his wife was unable to attend her grandmother’s funeral in Lebanon due to the conflict.

Green Party Gains Traction; Trump Wins Arab-American Support

Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate, gained support in Michigan by calling for an end to U.S. support of Israeli actions. Many Arab-Americans in Michigan voiced frustration with the Biden administration’s policy, finding an alternative in Trump, who promised change and appeared more sympathetic to their concerns.

Kamala Harris’s Political Calculations Backfire

The discussion highlighted how Harris’s unwillingness to distance herself from Biden’s policy on Israel may have alienated progressive and Arab-American voters. Some believe she missed an opportunity to adopt a more neutral or left-leaning stance, which Trump exploited by appealing to voters’ desire for a more balanced U.S. foreign policy.

Implications for Future Elections

Analysts suggested that if Trump follows through on his campaign rhetoric, he may secure Arab-American support in future elections. However, skepticism remains about whether Trump’s statements were strategic or will result in meaningful policy change. The Arab-American community will be watching closely to see if their interests are genuinely addressed in the coming term.